Keidel retires at Northfield; Bianconi takes post

Gregg Keidel, Northfield Park’s Director of Racing, is retiring from the Route 8 Oval on Friday, April 2, after 30 years of service to the track. Originally hired as a part-time publicity aide in 1980, Keidel became the full-time Director of Publicity and Promotions in 1985. On Nov. 1, 1987, Keidel became Director of Racing, a position he has held ever since.

 

During his career at Northfield, Keidel has produced over 4,500 racing programs with over 60,000 races. He and his staff have processed over 500,000 horses during his 22 ½ years at the race office helm. Those figures put Keidel among the top six most “active” race secretaries in Standardbred history.

 

Keidel is credited with creating the Battle of Lake Erie, the Cleveland Classic, the Courageous Lady, Scarlet and Gray Stakes and the Night of Champions during his tenure. It was also his foresight, planning and persistence that led to the establishment of Ohio Super Night.

 

Keidel is a past president of the American Harness Racing Secretaries, Inc., and a former Grand Circuit steward. An avid amateur reinsman in his spare time, he was named National Amateur Driver of the Year in 1999.

 

While Keidel is retiring from year-round work at Northfield, he will resume his role as Director of Racing at Running Aces Harness Park during the Minnesota track’s four-month meet.

 

Dave Bianconi, Northfield’s Executive Vice President of Racing and Simulcasting and a former assistant race secretary under Keidel, will assume the duties of Northfield’s Director of Racing, with assistance from Pam Kenney, Ayers Ratliff and Gloria Randolph. (Northfield Park)